Anhydrobiosis

Abstract

We believe we have established the major principles governing the stabilization of living cells in the unique condition known as anhydrobiosis. These findings have permitted us to design ways to stabilize membrane vesicles, liposomes, and proteins, and perhaps eventually even intact cells that do not normally survive dehydration. In a complex phenomenon as ancient as anhydrobiosis, one would expect a myriad of adaptations to be required for survival of drying. But the arguments presented here suggest that a single perturbation--synthesis of a disaccharide such as trehalose or sucrose--is sufficient to achieve survival. We hasten to add, however, that it is now certain that additional adaptations are required; for instance, cells containing highly unsaturated lipids may survive drying for a short time, but they are so susceptible to degradation that they survive for a short time only. Thus the interpretation placed on the finding that trehalose can stabilize dry membranes must be regarded from this perspective as well. Nevertheless, we believe that the underlying physical principles governing stability of dry biological materials are universal.

Structural analysis of the subunits of the trehalose‐6‐phosphate synthase/phosphatase complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and their function during heat shock

“…It has been suggested, therefore, that trehalose plays a role as a stabiliser of cellular structures under stress conditions (Keller et al, 1982;Crowe et al, 1984). In accordance with this suggestion, in vitro studies have revealed the exceptional capability of trehalose in protecting biological membranes and enzymes from freezing-or drying-induced dehydration (for a review see Crowe et al, 1992) and heat stress (Hottiger et al, 1994).…”

“…Interestingly, trehalose synthesis is induced in most of these organisms in response to a small set of specific environmental conditions. In particular, trehalose is accumulated in phases of nutrient starvation, desiccation, and after exposure to a mild heat shock (for reviews see Van Laere, 1989;Wiemken, 1990;Crowe et al, 1992). It has been suggested, therefore, that trehalose plays a role as a stabiliser of cellular structures under stress conditions (Keller et al, 1982;Crowe et al, 1984).…”

Improved tolerance to salt and water stress in Drosophila melanogaster cells conferred by late embryogenesis abundant protein

“…Although severe loss of water is often detrimental to life, some invertebrate animals from a few phyla have developed mechanisms to cope with extreme desiccation by entering a state known as anhydrobiosis (Clegg, 2001;Crowe and Clegg, 1973;Crowe et al, 1992;Keilin, 1959;Watanabe et al, 2005). Anhydrobiotic organisms possess the ability to survive desiccation in nature to water contents around 0.02 -0.05 g H 2 O g -1 dry mass and enter into a state that approaches suspended animation (Clegg, 1973;Madin, 1974, 1975;Hinton, 1968).…”

“…Anhydrobiotic organisms possess the ability to survive desiccation in nature to water contents around 0.02 -0.05 g H 2 O g -1 dry mass and enter into a state that approaches suspended animation (Clegg, 1973;Madin, 1974, 1975;Hinton, 1968). Desiccation tolerance has also been observed in some flowering plants, algae, fungi, bacteria, and most seeds of higher plants are desiccation tolerant (Billi and Potts, 2002;Crowe et al, 1992;Hoekstra et al, 2001;Potts, 1999). In the study…”

Element analysis of the eutardigrades Richtersius coronifer and Milnesium cf. asiaticum using Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE)

“…For other organisms, exposure to these environmental stresses induces lethal damage to cells, and tardigrades must therefore possess a way to either protect their cells from damage, or efficiently repair damage that arises. Most of the early work on mechanisms of desiccation tolerance was directed towards studies on membrane stabilization molecules (Crowe et al, 1992;Crowe, 2002). More recent research has had a general molecular approach on detecting differences between animals in the desiccated (anhydrobiotic) and the hydrated states, in order to reveal the molecular and physiological mechanisms behind the tolerance Reuner et al, 2010;Rizzo et al, 2010;Wełnicz et al, 2011).…”